Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0050342_Permit (Modification)_19900111NPDES DOCIMENT SCANNING COVER SHEET NC0050342 Muddy Creek WWTP NPDES Permit: Document Type: Permit Issuance Wasteload Allocation Authorization to Construct (AtC) Permit Modification Complete File - Historical Engineering Alternatives (EAA) Correspondence Owner Name Change Instream Assessment (67b) Speculative Limits Environmental Assessment (EA) Document Date: January 11, 1990 This document iia printed on reuse paper - ignore airy content on the remrer6ce side PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT City of Winton-&ilm January 11, 1990 Mr. Chuck Wakild, Acting Director N. C. Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Management P. 0. Box 27687 Raleigh, NC 27611-7687 Re: Permit Modification Request Winston-Salem, N. C. Muddy Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Permit No. NC0050342 Forsyth County Dear Mr. Wakild: fiEDENED JAN 1 71990 TECHNICAL SUPPORT BRANCH This letter is written in response to Mr. Wilms' letter of December 7, 1989 which outlined the Division of Environmental Management's initial concerns on our permit modification request for the Muddy Creek Plant. We have tried to address the Division's concerns and have responded by the item number as they appeared in our initial letter of September 15, 1989. 1. DEM requested additional information regarding the data the City submitted showing the relationship between CBOD5 and BOD5 in the plant's effluent. DEM also questioned the methodology the City used in measuring CBOD5 and postulated that the nitrification inhibitor may have suppressed the oxidation of carbonaceous components in the sample. The City is providing DEM with TKN values on those samples whose CBOD5 and BOD5 results were cited in our letter of September 15, 1989. This data is shown in Table I. Box 2511, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102 Mr. Wakild Page 2 January 11, 1990 Table I: Comparison of BOD5 and CBOD5 Analyses on the Muddy Creek Plant Effluent Date CBOD5 BOD5 TKN 01/04/89 4.0 14.8 4.0 01/09/89 5.0 26.0 7.0 01/11/89 7.0 21.0 7.0 01/16/89 8.0 21.0 5.0 01/18/89 8.0 30.0 6.0 02/01/89 14.5 15.0 6.0 03/16/89 9.8 18.0 10.0 Note: All units of concentration are mg/1. Tests to determine CBOD5 and BOD5 were performed according to the protocol described in Part 507 of the 15th edition of "Standard Methods" for the Examination of Water and Wastewater." 0ur laboratory is certified to perform the BOD analysis and the City is confident that the tests are valid. We evaluated the possibility that the nitrification inhibitor was suppressing carbonaceous oxygen demand by measuring the CBOD5 and BOD5 of a standard solution of potassium phthlate (KHP). The standard was known to have a value of 263 mg/l. The analyses conducted with and without nitrification inhibitor gave results of 290 and 286 mg/1 respectively. The test showed no evidence the inhibitor interferes with carbonaceous oxygen demand. 2. There is a substantial amount of information that the City of Winston-Salem wishes to submit to DEM for consideration regarding the mini -chronic toxicity test. To facilitate this process, the information pertaining to each of the points we wish to make is given under subtitles describing each pertinent point. A. Prior to the adoption of the mini -chronic procedure, there may not have been a suitable demonstration that the procedure accurately correlates predicted and observed reproductive impairment. DEM has responded to our concern in this area by stating that "the whole effluent toxicity program was not implemented based on the comparisons cited by the City." The study we referenced was a paper entitled "Comparisons of Measured Instream Biological Responses With Responses Predicted Using the Ceriodaphnia Chronic Toxicity Test." This paper was cited as a support document in the last Triennial Review Report so we assumed that the data produced in the study played a role in the adoption of the test. Mr. Wakild Page 3 January 11, 1990 Since this data was not evaluated by DEM prior to the adoption of the mini -chronic procedure, the City of Winston-Salem would welcome an opportunity to review the data that was. Since the study referenced in the Triennial Review Report contains the only data available to date to substantiate the accuracy of the mini -chronic procedure, the City of Winston-Salem maintains its position that the survey may have been biased in that the test was used to predict acute toxicity. B. The mini -chronic bioassay procedure has been shown to produce inconsistent results. A major reason why the City of Winston-Salem is contesting the use of the mini -chronic bioassay procedure is based on the fact that the test results are difficult to reproduce between labs. Attachment No. 1 contains test reports on nine sets of samples that were split between four certified commercial laboratories. Please note that 67 percent of the samples were reported as failing in one laboratory but passing in another. This survey, in the City's opinion, supports our contention that the mini -chronic procedure is not precise enough to warrant its use in determining a facility's compliance status. C. The reproduction rate in control organisms is so variable that the mini -chronic test procedure is slanted toward defining some samples as being toxic when they actually are not. The City of Winston-Salem's opinion here is based on our observation that some samples which fail the mini -chronic test based on reproduction actually have average reproduction rates in the test group that are significantly higher than those average reproduction rates in the control. Attachment #2 is comprised of test reports from 28 mini -chronic assays which had no quality control problems. The range of the average number of young produced per control female is quite wide with numbers ranging from 14.7 to 39.2. The average of the data was 24.7 with a standard deviation of 7.63. Attachment #3 is a copy of a test report on a sample which failed due to low reproduction in relation to the control. The procedure defines this sample as being toxic even though the average total reproduction per test group female is greater than 82 percent of the control groups surveyed in Attachment #2. Mr. Wakild Page 4 January 11, 1990 The City of Winston-Salem is concerned that the variable reproduction rates among control groups indicates that there may be factors affecting the test which are not attributable to the sample and which are not negated by the control. These factors could indicate toxicity when in fact the sample was not toxic. The City of Winston-Salem is also concerned that the control group in a specific test may not be valid when there is very little dilution of the sample with the culture water. Under these conditions it is possible that the sudden change in environmental factors, such as hardness, pH, osmolarity and background nutrient concentrations may create a stressed acclimation period which may result in a temporary reduction in brood size. D. In a significant portion of the samples passing the mini -chronic bioassay test the control appears toxic in relation to the test group. The City of Winston-Salem evaluated a total of 31 test reports on the bioanalysis of samples collected from municipalities across the state. 0f these, 16 passed the test. In 12 of the test reports that passed, the average test group reproduction was shown to be higher than that of the control group. The City subjected the test data to a one -tailed students T analysis to determine whether the difference in the reproduction of the control and test groups was significant at a 99% confidence limit. 0ur calculations indicated that 12 of the 31 tests reviewed showed evidence that the control group was toxic in relation to the test group, i.e. then was a significant statistical difference 37% of the time. The City of Winston-Salem is confident that there were probably no toxic components present in the culture water, but our findings further support our contention that the mini -chronic test is unsuitable because it gives inconsistent results and that it does not accurately measure reproductive impairment due to variability. Copies of the test reports we evaluated are provided to you in Attachment #4. E. The indicator organism DEM has specified for use in the mini -chronic bioassay is susceptible to water qualities over which a POTW has little or no direct control. These water qualities are normally considered "non -toxic". DEM has asked the City to enumerate those "harmless water qualities" for which the Ceriodaphnia is unduly susceptible and provide evidence that the parameters are indeed harmless. Mr. Wakild Page 5 January 11, 1990 When we used the term "harmless water qualities", we were referring to those naturally occurring water characteristics which have been shown to affect Cladoceran mortality and reproduction. It should be added that a permittee has very little, if any control over some of these characteristics as they relate to a plant discharge. These parameters include water hardness, alkalinity, osmotic pressure, pH, background nutrient levels, conductivity, light intensity, and TOC. The effects of these parameters are well documented in literature that the DEM staff is familiar with and the City does not feel that there is a need to submit detailed information on the subject. The City of Winston-Salem would like to point out that DEM has been quite specific in setting up acceptable ranges for many of these parameters in the water used to cultivate the control organisms. There are no provisions in the protocol, however, for ensuring that those water qualities which are known to affect the test organism and over which the permittee has no control are the same in the control and test groups. This situation nullifies the intent of the control and probably contributes to the lack of precision in the test, as well as, the phenomena wherein the control group appears toxic in relation to the test group. The tendency of the mini -chronic bioassay procedure to produce questionable data is exemplified by the fact that distilled water, which could not possibly contain toxics, fails the test (see Attachment #5). F. The permit for the Muddy Creek Plant should not include effluent toxicity limitations because DEM has, in effect, acknowledged that the plant's discharge to be non -toxic in that neither the facility nor its receiving water were included by DEM on any list required by EPA under 304(L) of the CWA. DEM has responded to this concern by stating that the N. C. 304(L) lists submitted to EPA for approval was limited to only those waters adversely impacted by priority pollutants. Paragraph (A)(ii) of Section 304(L) specifies that the second list shall include all waters which do not meet water quality standards for any conventional, nonconventional, or toxic pollutant due to any point or non -point source of pollution. Furthermore, this list must also include waters which are classified for uses which do not meet the fishable or swimmable goals of the CWA. Section 304(L) clearly does not restrict the scope of the listing survey to priority pollutants, DEM staff was aware of this in that several stretches of the state's waters were listed because of high fecal coliform concentrations and turbidity. Mr. Wakild Page 6 January 11, 1990 Section 304(L) required the states to establish individual control strategies to deal with the problem areas identified under 304(L), but we believe the regulations do not require that every point source have effluent toxicity limits incorporated into its NPDES permit. It is our understanding that the 1987 amendment to the CWA requires state regulatory agencies to adopt numeric criteria for specific priority pollutants and biomonitoring conditions. The 1987 amendments to CWA do not require the states to incorporate permit limits for point sources based on biomonitoring unless they are part of an EPA approved individual control strategy for a point source identified as a problem on one of the 304(L) lists. DEM may be in violation of State law prohibiting the adoption of discharge standards which are more restrictive than those required at the federal level. In this context, DEM may only be allowed under state law to institute biomonitoring based permit limits on those point sources identified under 304(L). In addition to the point that DEM may not have the legal authority to implement biomonitoring based effluent toxicity limitations, we believe there is sufficient evidence showing the mini -chronic procedure is unsuitable for its intended use to accurately determine whole effluent toxicity. G. In summary, the City of Winston-Salem does not wish to accept any permit provisions which defines noncompliance based on an analytical procedure: a. Whose test results cannot be duplicated between laboratories in 67% of the tests surveyed, b. Which defines a sample as being toxic when the average reproduction rate for test organisms is higher than 82% of all control groups surveyed, c. Which will indicate toxicity in the control group as compared to the test group 37% of the time, d. Which indicates distilled water is toxic, e. Where no standard protocol exists in either Standard Methods or 40CFR136, and f. Where there is no EPA approved procedure that we know of for a toxicity reduction evaluation for identifying the causative factor in a toxic mini -chronic result. We believe there are major problems with this test and at this point in time it should not be used to determine compliance status. Mr. Wakild Page 7 January 11, 1990 3. We agree 40CFR122.41(h) covers this item. 4. We would like to reserve the right to comment on the new bypass language that will include provisions of 40CFR122.41(m). The City of Winston-Salem understands DEM's position that the 002 discharge point is not a bypass since it is intended to serve as an alternate discharge point for treated wastewater only when the 001 discharge point is flooded. However, we believe that since it can only be utilized during extreme flood conditions, limitations on discharge from the 002 outfall need to be based on high stream flows at flood stage, not on 7Q10 flows. Further, the Muddy Creek Plant is constructed so that it is occasionally forced to accept flows during extended wet weather periods (tornado, Hurricane Hugo, etc.) which are in excess of the plant's design capacity in order to prevent damage to its headworks. The plant's four influent pumps are designed to pump up to 11 MGD each and normally, two pumps are in service. The plant must either treat only 11 MGD during high flow events or treat in excess of the 15 MGD permitted flow. When faced with these situations, we have operated to treat all the flow that can be handled hydraulically to prevent damage to the headworks so the water level does not rise above the bottom bearings of the screw pumps. If the influent rate exceeds 22 MGD, additional pump capacity is brought on line to prevent damage to the headworks. At this point, intraplant bypassing may need to be considered to minimize solids washout of the secondary treatment facilities and to ensure future treatment of wastewater. Since the plant has been in operation (January, 1986), we have experienced four occasions when flow exceeded 44 MGD to the plant. The City feels it should not be judged noncompliant for discharging flows in excess of the permit limit during such extreme wet weather conditions for 001 or 002, especially if it occurs during a one -day discharge to the 002 outfall wherein the City is not able to average this flow in with other days of the month where discharge goes to 001. If DEM wishes to avoid a situation wherein the plant's discharge points are utilized to discharge a bypass of any of the plant processes during extreme wet weather conditions, we ask that we be able to install an overflow line, under approval of DEM, at the plant's headworks that would be designed to operate only in the event the influent wet well becomes flooded and endangers pumps or other equipment necessary to operate the treatment plant. Such an overflow line would allow the plant to effectively treat the agreed upon wet weather flows without leading to solids washout in the plant. We would like to further discuss these issues with you and have enclosed sketches explaining the 002 outfall discharge. Please let us know if you would like to set up a separate meeting to discuss the 002 and overflow issue, and whether you wish us to help get stream data for Muddy Creek or Yadkin River during high rain events. Mr. Wakild Page 8 January 11, 1990 5. We concur, based on the written explanation in your December 7, 1989 letter. 6. We are in agreement. 7. The term "major contributing industry" is used in Part III A. 1. and Part III A. 3. in the draft permit. "Major contributing industries" was defined as follows in previous permits. "A major contributing industry is one that: (a) has a flow of 50,000 gallons or more per average work day; (b) has a flow greater than five percent of the flow carried by the municipal system receiving the waste; (c) has in its waste a toxic pollutant in toxic amounts as defined in standards issued under Section 307(a) of the Act; (d) has significant impact either singly or in combination with other contributing industries, on the treatment works or the quality of its effluent." The definition for "major contributing industry" is significantly different than the definition of "significant industrial user" in the current permit and could cause confusion over which industries are required to be included in the Pretreatment Program and Semiannual Reports. Part III (A) 1. indicates that pollutants in the City's discharge resulting from industrial contributions may receive NPDES limits as the information becomes available. An industry discharging pollutants which pass through the POTW and for which DEM revises the permit to specify effluent limitations would be within the definition of "significant industrial user" ("SIU"). Therefore, the City asks that "SIU" should be substituted for "major contributing industry" in Part III(A) 1. Part III A. 3. states the Permittee may have to be more restrictive than 40CFR403 to meet effluent limits and further states such actions may be necessary for some or all of the major contributing industries. The City asks that the last sentence which refers to "major contributing industries" be deleted since it would not alter the intent of the section. 8. We accept this statement. << 9. We agree with the State that federal law allows reopeners based on 307-A toxics but this should not allow modifications for any other areas of the permit. However, we do not believe other reopeners are justified as pursuant to our comments of September 15th. Further, we feel that the State's comment regarding NCGS 143-215.1 only applies to changes necessary for new or enlarged facilities. In this light, we propose at a minimum that III G. be deleted, especially since toxics are already covered under II A. 5. Mr. Wakild Page 9 January 11, 1990 10. The City believes that Federal law does not require such notification. 4c6` Further, we believe III D. wording to be unworkable when applied to such 4-,\1-' items as changing a pump location. We suggest wording be added to limit the notification to projects to add to a plant's capacity or to those intended to change the type of process used at the plant as in our September 15 letter. We also ask that wording be added to say that this requirement is not a requirement under Federal law and, therefore, not enforceable under Federal NPDES procedures. 11. We appreciate receiving the fact sheet and backup information on January 2, 1990. We are still reviewing this data. 12. We would like to reserve the right to comment on the new language for I. B.2. 13. We concur, based on the written explanation in your December 7,1989 letter. k 14. The City of Winston-Salem requests that DEM modify, the second sentence in the text of the provisions under Section II D. 2. to read as follows) "Any planned maintenance of facilities, which might necessitate V;"'`^'` unavoidable interruption of operation and possible permit exceedances, shall be scheduled during non-7Q10 stream flow periods." 15. We concur, based on the written explanation in your December 7, 1989 letter. 16. We would like to reserve the right to comment on the new language for II. A. 4. 17. We are in agreement to delete II. D. 6. d. and that it is in the best interest of all parties to report as soon as possible. 18. 40CFR Part 122.42 specifies reporting for two distinct categories: (a) facilities engaged in manufacturing, commercial, mining, and silvicultural and (b) POTWs, with very different requirements for each category. The requirements specified in Part II D (7) of the draft permit are for manufacturing, commercial, mining, and silviculture. Instead, we should only be regulated under the requirements in 40CFR Part 122.42(b) for POTWs, and we already provide this under our pretreatment program. 19. The City believes NCGS 143-251(b)(3) refers only to new or enlarged facilities. We further believe that the City should have a right to comment, challenge, and adjudicate any such changes and that this should be so stated in the permit. a14- Mr. Wakild Page 10 January 11, 1990 20. We would like to reserve the right to comment on the new language for I. J. 2. 21. We concur, based on the written explanation in your December 7, 1989 letter. 22. Since Section III B (12) of the draft permit states modifications to the pretreatment program are considered as permit modifications, this would require NPDES permit modification for every new significant industrial user hooking to our system. 15NCAC2H.0916 and .0917 outline the requirements for permit application, preparing a synopsis and permit, and submitting the package for DEM approval. Instead of modifying the pretreatment program and NPDES permit every time a new SIU hooks to our system, we request that Section III A (4) be modified by deleting the last two words of the first paragraph and inserting permit and synopsis in accordance with 15NCAC2H.0916 and .0917. 23. We request that Item III. B. 6. f. be revised to read "upon request, other information which is necessary to determine compliance with the permittee's pretreatment program." 24. We concur. 25. We believe that the official EPA process to approve major or minor changes to the State's Pretreatment Program have not been completed. Therefore, we ask that a statement similar to the following be included in the permit: "Only those pretreatment requirements approved by EPA as per 40CFR123 are Federally enforceable under the NPDES program." 26. We are in agreement. 27. We wish to discuss the issue of a flow requirement further, especially in light of our comments in Item #4. All in all, we do not want to be deemed in violation of a permit or if we are forced to treat excessive flows such as during hurricane, tornado, and unusual storm events. In addition, we would be amenable to discussing varied limits based on different flow intervals for normal discharges. We appreciate this opportunity to continue to express our comments, and appreciate the time spent by those of your staff at our January 10, 1990 meeting. Please let us know if we can provide any additional information or if we can further explain any of these items. We would be happy to have our appropriate staff travel to Raleigh to discuss any of these items. t( o Mr. Wakild Page 11 January 11, 1990 /sw Attachments cc: Crystal Couch Stan Webb Brenda Letzler Larry Coble Trevor Clements Don Safrit Sincerely, T LITIES DI 1 SIO • 11),ti• om Griffin, P. . Utilities Supe endent Medin3 col I0- 5.Iem - Ncoo5o3'V2 1110/90 of co Airs Name 5urtn e -gym c �t Ce-/C// au J»F2tr IhC 6i.tc.4sP &rknhn ati Cf )S 733-5 63 - lexlnv.:c.c 3 ,,)c - b AJJS 733 - sbYy Phone -7Z7-Ig 765 - ®/3e '7g-9'70v :1047312)(7 - ‘Salem fikeb'nj - 'hot 90 /0: oo 4/17 fare cocas (.46 comf, /e'er - Tow ei cliffekutk rescais /4007 W014. JaMpt Ai/ dab Send tarti: tAaltd - ,1)U S&tA4241, yjJJ� e9Uab S co " 7124AL tietOtz; Ciala 4)e. Cat 4 :- pot I 47L 20ciitscheur bilow c6 aouti,4 19/DpOSt.3j tL cuatied, zh aid we aa € cti Acti - 10 - Wati cue_ popo,soi matt_ Aaw Woe, iq tvtiala Atua 'act gh eo - S - Q/51 ML/OOY CREEK ii / N Te:QC EPTa.e 64 tv M //GD Y C.2EEX w'w TP PLANT DIScHAeCE rvv. z/v 6,7S 2S 002 D/SC/ARSE OGANT EPA-Li/ENT To YgpK/N 2/vER oo/ o/ScHRRGE C96" D/ScNARaE gLEv. YAo,-in/ G6/. o E«Y. ,tNv. 1 N ra D/Scy4RG P/PE 6757 25" PLAN V /EV/ 00 2 o/SGHARGE PRoF'/4. E O O 2 ,D /,$CHARGE No SCALE State of North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Management 512 North Salisbury Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 James G. Martin, Governor William W. Cobey, Jr., Secretary December 28, 1989 Mr. Tom Griffin, P.E. City of Winston-Salem Public Works Department Box 2511 Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102 Subject: Winston-Salem Muddy Creek WWTP NPDES Permit No. NC0050342 Forsyth County Dear Mr. Griffin: R. Paul Wilms Director Your recent letter to the Division (Dated 12/18/89) was referred to my office by Director Wilms. A copy of the fact sheet for the NPDES permit for the Muddy Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant is enclosed for your review. Please accept my apology, on behalf of the Division, for not submitting this item to you in our earlier correspondence. Also enclosed per your request are the model summaries detailing the basis for the permit effluent limitations and monitoring requirements contained in the permit. It is our understanding that Trevor Clements of my staff has been in touch with Mrs. Brenda Letzler of your department to arrange a meeting to further discuss the pending NPDES permit modification request. I would like to move forward on this issue in early January, if possible. Please contact Trevor soon to confirm a date (919/733-5083). cc: Trevor Clements Don Safrit Steve Mauney Central Files Enclosures Sincerely, Steve Tedder Water Quality Section Chief P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687 Telephone 919-733.7015 An FnnaI nnnnrnmihv Affirmative Artinn Fmnlnver PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT City of Winston-eSalem December 18, 1989 Mr. R. Paul Wilms, Director N. C. Department of Natural Resources and Community Development Division of Environmental Management P. O. Box 27687 Raleigh, NC 27611-7687 Re: Permit Modification Request Muddy Creek WWTP NPDES Permit No. NC0050342 Dear Mr. Wilms: We have received the December 7 response to our concerns regarding our NPDES Permit for our Muddy Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, and we are reviewing these. As you suggested, we would like to meet with State representatives to discuss these items further. To help us review these responses and prepare for this meeting, would you please send us a copy of the fact sheet for the permit, as per our Item No. 11 (it was not attached to your letter). We would also appreciate receiving a copy of the modeling/ calculations used to derive the values for the fact sheet. I appreciate your help in this matter and look forward to scheduling a meeting to discuss these issues. /sw cc: Stan Webb Sincerely, U LITIES om Griffin, Utilities Superirfrtendent RECEIVED DEC 2 8 1989 PERMITS & ENGINEERING Box 2511, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102 DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT December 27, 1989 MEMORANDUM TO: Winston-Salem WLA File THROUGH: Trevor Clements gdC/ FROM: Ruth Swanek CL SUBJECT: Winston Salem WWTP Permit Limits NPDES No. NC0050342 Yadkin River (030704) The NPDES permit limits for Winston-Salem's Lower Muddy Creek WWTP were developed in February, 1989. The following summarizes the rationale behind the limits: Oxygen -consuming Wastes 1. Outfall 001 The limit for BOD5 for outfall 001 remained the same as in the previous NPDES permit. The appropriateness of the limit was veri- fied by extending the model calibrated for the Archie Elledge WWTP into the Yadkin River. The model predicted that secondary limits would protect the water quality standard for dissolved oxygen. 2. Outfall 002 Outfall 002 provides for a discharge to Muddy Creek when con- ditions in the Yadkin River prevent discharge through pipe 001. The assigned effluent limits were those previously permitted by the Division when the outfall was originally proposed. Toxic Wastes 1. Outfall 001 The Pretreatment LOTUS spreadsheet was used to develop metals limits for outfall 001. No limits were needed under standard procedural criteria applied by DEM, but effluent and instream monitoring requirements for lead were included in the permit because of the ongoing DEM study to review the potential impact of the proposed lower water quality standard. Preliminary instream data submitted by the City indicate the Yadkin would frequently violate a standard of 3 ug/1 as proposed. a 2. Outfall 002 Since less dilution is available in Muddy Creek than in the Yadkin River, effluent monitoring was required for the metals which were acknowledged present in the facility's headworks analysis sub- mitted to DEM by the City. These metals are: cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc. Given that discharge from outfall 002 is expected to be rare, monitoring only will be required. Oz. itsue.lq$p 1ikgL DA = GA . !WA* "Om-- 5'18 wOGD= g37 tivelova4,4 ?ape dot 0 tie OZ. 1aft 250D "A:i16 0A -IIz 0=0.2. wnao i- R2� O.'ina' un now S.Io( mudd 0g,its .512.0 (.3'V. "DA Wit 7. a 4 Pollutant Cadmium Chromium Copper Nickel Lead Zinc' Cyanide Mercury Silver Cadmium Chromium Copper Nickel Lead Zinc Cyanide Mercury Silver PRETREATMENT HEADWORKS REVIEW Discharger: Receiving stream: Stream Class: USGS Zone: 7Q10: Design flow: Actual flow: Percent industrial: IWC: Standard/AL (mg/1) City of Winston Yadkin River WSIII 1 548.000 cfs 15.000 mgd 9.54 mgd 26.0 % 4.1 % 0.002 S 0.05 S 0.015 AL 0.025 S 0.025 S 0.05 AL 0.005 S 0.0002 S 0.01 AL Total Influent Load (lbs/day) 0.07 0.47 1.74 0.15 0.14 2.71 0.00 0.00 0.00 Removal Eff. 92% 72% 84% 37% 47% 78% 59% 86% 94% Salem Actual Allowable Domestic Load (a) Load (lbs/day) (lbs/day) 75.85 541.75 284.42 120.39 143.10 689.50 37.00 4.33 505.63 0.000 0.000 1.020 0.000 0.000 1.970 Assumed Predicted Background Effluent Reserve Conc Conc (b) (lbs/day) (mg/1) (mg/1) 75.78 541.28 282.68 120.24 142.96 686.79 37.00 4.33 505.63 0 0.0001 0 0.0017 0 0.0035 0 0.0012 0 0.0009 0 0.0075 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 0 0.0000 12/27/89 Actual Industrial Load (lbs/day) 0.070 0.470 0.720 0.150 0.140 0.740 Allowable Effluent Conc (c) (mg/1) 0.0491 1.2285 0.3685 0.6142 0.6142 1.2285 0.1228 0.0049 0.2457 oc .oc .01 f, c o' Pollutant Cadmium Chromium Copper Nickel Lead Zinc Cyanide Mercury Silver Cadmium Chromium Copper Nickel Lead Zinc Cyanide Mercury Silver PRETREATMENT HEADWORKS REVIEW Discharger: Receiving stream: Stream Class: USGS Zone: 7Q10: Design flow: Actual flow: Percent industrial: IWC: Standard/AL (mg/1) 0.002 S 0.05 S 0.015 AL 0.025 S 0.025 S 0.05 AL 0.005 S 0.0002 S 0.01 AL Total Influent Load (lbs/day) 0.07 0.47 1.74 0.15 0.14 2.71 0.00 0.00 0.00 City of Winston Yadkin River WSIII 1 548.000 cfs 15.000 mgd 9.54 mgd 26.0 % 4.1 % Removal Eff. 92% 72% 84% 37% 47% 78% '59% 86% 94% Salem Actual Allowable Domestic Load (a) Load (lbs/day) (lbs/day) 75.85 541.75 284.42 120.39 143.10 689.50 37.00 4.33 505.63 Assumed Background Reserve Conc (lbs/day) (mg/1) 75.78 541.28 282.68 120.24 142.96 686.79 37.00 4.33 505.63 0.003 0.0063 0.005 0.0058 0.0067 0.0167 0 0 0 0.000 0.000 1.020 0.000 0.000 1.970 Predicted Effluent Conc (b) (mg/ 1) 0.0001 > 0.0017 0.0035 0.0012 0.0009 0.0075 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 12/27/89 Actual Industrial Load (lbs/day) 0.070 0.470 0.720 0.150 0.140 0.740 Allowable Effluent Conc (c) (mg/1) -0.0216 1.0800 0.2507 0.4775 0.4563 0.8349 0.1228 0.0049 0.2457 or .0 .0 •0 .0 State of North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development Division of Environmental Management 512 North Salisbury Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27611 James G. Martin, Governor R. Paul Wilms William \'U. Cobey, Jr., Secretary Director December 7, 1989 Mr. Tom Griffin, Utilities Superintendent Public Works Department Box 2511 Winston-Salem, NC 27102 Subject: Permit Modification Request Muddy Creek WWTP NPDES No. NC0050342 Forsyth County Dear Mr. Griffin: I am writing in response to your letter of September 15 concerning your NPDES permit for the Winston-Salem Muddy Creek WWTP (NC0050342). I have addressed each of your concerns by item as follows: 1.) CBOD5 Limits The City should note that some of the data submitted indicate that there is a large difference between BOD5 and CBOD5. The corresponding ammonia concentrations appear too low to account for the large differ- ences in oxygen demand. Since organic nitrogen data were not submitted, it is impossible to determine if this parameter accounts for the differ- ence. It is possible that the inhibitor used in the CBOD5 test is also inhibiting the carbonaceous oxygen demand. The City must review its CBOD5 test methods and respond to the Division of Environmental Manage- ment(DEM) with either an appropriate explanation or verification that test results are accurate. After this information is submitted, DEM will change the permit to a monthly CBOD5 limit of 25 mg/1 and a weekly limit of 40 mg/1. 2.) Toxicity Winston-Salem objects to a whole effluent toxicity limitation because there is no evidence that the plant's discharge is toxic. This argument is inconsistent with current policy established by DEM. The whole effluent toxicity test is utilized as a continued demonstration that toxicity levels are consistently at the no effect level. It is the Pollution Prevention Pays P.O Box 27687, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687 Telephone 919-733-7015 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer purpose of continued monitoring to detect changes in effluent character- istics. Because a discharge is currently in compliance with a limitation does not exclude the parameter from an NPDES permit. The City objects to the whole effluent toxicity limitation because this facility was not identified on the N.C. 304L list. Facilities placed on this listing were identified only if impacts were predicted from pollutants on the U.S. EPA's "Priority Pollutant" list. There are many thousands of other chemicals which may be toxic but are not con- tained on this list. The City indicates that there may not be a suitable demonstration of correlation between measured chronic toxicity and observed chronic toxi- city. The City also questioned North Carolina's comparisons in this area. The whole effluent toxicity program was not implemented based on the comparisons cited by the City. This State has utilized toxic standards established from laboratory testing for over 10 years. We cur- rently have many standards derived to protect aquatic life which utilized laboratory toxicity testing. The use of whole effluent toxicity testing is consistent with this approach. Winston-Salem indicates that the "25 Centigrade cultivation" temperature does not reflect seasonal temperature regimes. All toxic substances are allocated to 7Q10 or low flow conditions and are not modi- fied by season. DEM is being consistent with water quality regulations in this regard. The City also indicated that DEHNR has refused to use water samples collected upstream as baseline controls. This is not the case. If all aspects of quality assurance and control, as outlined in the certification guidance are followed and met, this water will be deemed acceptable. Winston-Salem states that the "mini -chronic" toxicity test procedure is inconsistent with many reported problems. This has not been the experience of the DEM laboratory. If the City would present the details of these inconsistencies to DEM, the Division will be better able to respond. Two additional arguments by the City state that the presence of Ceriodaphnia in the Yadkin River has not been demonstrated and the Ceriodaphnia are unduly susceptible to "harmless water qualities". Chronic toxicity is defined in N.C. Water Quality Regulations as any harmful effect sustained by either resident aquatic populations or indi- cator species. Ceriodaphnia may be present in the Yadkin River but are being utilized here as indicator species. With regard to "harmless water qualities", the City does not specify which parameters with which they are concerned, nor do they provide evidence that these undefined parame- ters are harmless. 3.) Oblictation to Supply Information The requirements of Part II.A.11 are consistent with the reporting requirements contained 40 CFR 122.41(1). This information is only required upon request by DEM. 4.) Bypass The bypass language in Part II.B.3 will be modified to coincide with the language in 40 CFR 122.41(M). The discharge through outfall 002 is not considered a bypass. The plant could have been designed to prevent discharges into Muddy Creek during flood conditions. If Winston-Salem's alternative outfall is con- sidered a bypass, engineers will be encouraged to design plants which will be allowed to discharge without a permit during certain flow condi- tions. 5.) Language in Part II.D.9c,10,11 The terms "knowing violations" and "knowingly" are both attached to sentences that refer to making "false statements" or submitting "false information". Submission of false statements or information and knowing it is a very severe condition and is considered a criminal act. The need for a definition is unwarranted, especially based on the use of the sub- ject words in the permit. 6.) Language in part III.A.4(e) Section III, A. 4(e) will be deleted. 7.) Major Contributing Industry vs. Significant Industrial User The term "major contributing industry" is not used in the permit. There is a reference to major contributing industries in Part III.A(3). The purpose of this section is to put the POTW on notice that even though the Federal and State pretreatment regulations may not require the devel- opment of a pretreatment program, it may be necessary for the POTW to control industries in order to meet their NPDES limits. Since the State requires the development of a pretreatment program any time a POTW receives waste from a SIU, this reference is meant to apply to non-SIU's. In an effort to promote clarity, the word "major" will be deleted. 8.) Time Schedule for Submitting Pretreatment Activity Reports 15 NCAC 2H.0908(b) requires submission on August 1 and February 1. No provisions for granting an extension are provided by the regulations. 9.) Permit Reopener The provisions of 40 CFR 122.62 (which are required under 40 CFR 123.25) and NCGS 143-215.1 allow all reopeners that are in place in the current permit. There are actually more reopener requirements (40 CFR 122.62) that are not in the permit. The requirements in the permit are no more stringent than those required by Federal law. DEM does not arbitrarily open permits to incorporate new or more complicated require- ments. The regulations do allow the Director to reopen the permits to incorporate new or complicated requirements. They also allow the Direc- tor to reopen the permits for changes, alterations, or facts not present at the time of permit reissuance. The regulations also allow reopening to incorporate toxic limits. The requirements of II.A.5 are consistent with 40 CFR 122.62(a)(6). 10.) Authorization of Construction The intent of the requirement contained in III.D. is to ensure that all changes at the plant are reviewed and approved by the DEM staff. A one for one change is fine and no review is required, but moving the pump location or changing sizes of components must be approved by DEM. 11.) Omission of Part II and Part III from Original Draft DEM definitely made an error in not sending the permit conditions (Parts II and III) and the fact sheet to the applicant. At the same time, DEM never received a telephone call from anyone with the City ask- ing for a copy of the material. Mr. Stanley Webb wrote a letter dated March 29, 1989. No request for the permit conditions and fact sheet was made in Mr. Webb's letter. DEM published its intent to issue a permit on March 1, 1989. Due to EPA's extended review of the permit, the permit was not issued until August 14, 1989. The City of Winston-Salem techni- cally had five and a half months to request the information that we failed to send to you, review the information, and submit comments. Winston-Salem knew that the additional requirements would be included in the final permit. Otherwise, the City could not have written such comprehensive comments with all of the appropriate citations from the Federal Regulations. At your request, a fact sheet is included for your review. 12.) Operation and Maintenance Winston-Salem must operate the plant only at a level that is needed to meet the limits in the permit. But it is in Winston-Salem's best interest as a citizen and good neighbor to operate its plant at its optimum efficiency at all times. However, Part II.B.1 is currently being revised to coincide with 40 CFR 122. 13.) Lanc uaae in Part II .A. 7 DEM has reviewed your comments and we concur with your statements that the NPDES permit provides the permittee protection from liabilities under Section 311 of the Clean Water Act. Therefore, DEM can see no reason to change the language in the permit. The language "except as provided by law" can be used in many permitting situations. DEM under- stands this and will abide by the provisions of the law. 14.) Maintenance Schedulinar The key issue appears to be the words "planned change" in Section D.2. DEM understands that all maintenance cannot be scheduled in advance, but for those that can be, Winston-Salem should perform the maintenance duties during noncritical periods {i.e., periods of high stream (above 7Q10) flow and periods of low flows through the WWTP}. Winston-Salem should contact DEM anytime that it expects maintenance to cause or contribute to a water quality problem so DEM can document when a problem occurs and the reasons for the problem. 15.) Permit Extension The language in the permit is appropriate as written. Extension of the existing permit is deemed to be automatic if the requirements of the conditions are met and no letter from DEM is sent to the applicant noti- fying them otherwise. 16.) Reporting of Past or Planned Activities DEM is currently modifying the boiler plate language in Parts II and III of the NPDES permits. The last paragraph of part II.A.4 will be deleted in the new boiler plate. The requirement of 40 CFR 122.41 (1)(1) will be added to the boiler plate. This new boiler plate language will be made part of the City's permit. 17.) Reporting Noncompliance Part II.D.6.d can be deleted. However, DEM believes it is in the best interest of both the State and the City to make these reports at the earliest possible time. 18.) Reporting Activities Resulting in Discharge of Certain Pollutants This requirement is for existing manufacturing, commercial, mining and silvicultural discharges. Due to the types and kinds of facilities tied into your sewer area, DEM feels that this requirement is appropriate for your permit. Your discharge contains manufacturing and commercial operations. DEM does not have to remove the conditions from its permits just because EPA does not have the conditions in its municipal permits. 19.) Monitoring Frequency Part II.D.4 requires Winston-Salem to submit any data that are col- lected at a frequency greater than required in the permit. DEM has the right to change the frequency in the permit upon 60 days notice per NCGS 143-215.1(b) (3) . 20.) Monitoring of GC/MS Peaks This monitoring requirement has no limit associated with it. The data are being collected for further characterization of the effluent, and this requirement is applied to similar facilities. If constituents of concern are identified, the facility and DEM will then develop an appropriate response. If the data for any single constituent are of questionable reliability, the response will be influenced by this knowl- edge. DEM is currently evaluating the language contained in this section of the permit. Some changes will be made in the permit in the near future. 21.) Wording of Part III.A.2 The objection seems to center around the interpretation of the word "allow". According to Webster's Dictionary, allow means "to let do or happen; permit". Therefore, as long as the City does not permit the discharge of any waste listed in Part III.A.2(a-e) through its pretreat- ment permits or Sewer Use Ordinance (SUO), it is in compliance with this condition of the NPDES permit. The City suggests that we modify the NPDES permit language to "require that Winston-Salem prohibit the introduction of such wastes". Again turning to Webster's Dictionary, prohibit means "to refuse to permit; forbid by law or by an order". Applying Webster's definitions to the existing language and to the City's suggestion results in the NPDES permit saying "Under no circumstances shall the permittee permit the introduction of the following wastes in the waste treatment system..." and the City suggesting that we "require Winston-Salem to refuse to per- mit the introduction of such wastes". The Division believes the present language is adequate. 22.) Pretreatment Program Resubmission The permit will be changed to indicate that a modified program description is required instead of an entire program. 23.) Submission of Information Requested by DEHNR The Director's authority for this requirement comes from the follow- ing regulations and statutes: a.) NCGS 143-215.1(b)(1) empowers the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) to grant permits with such conditions attached as the EMC believes are necessary to achieve the purposes of Article 21; b.) 15 NCAC 2H.0112(b) authorizes the Director to issue a permit containing such conditions as .are necessary to effectuate the pur- poses of G.S. 143-215.1; c.) 15 NCAC 2H.0908(a) (40 CFR 403.12 (i) (4)) requires POTWs with approved pretreatment programs to report on pretreatment program implementation, to routinely submit some specific information and to provide "any other relevant information requested by the Approval Authority". 24.) Change in Definition of Significant Industrial User The last sentence of part III.A.4 will be deleted. 25.) Status of Modifications to North Carolina's Pretreatment Program All modifications to the Staters pretreatment regulations have been made in accordance with the procedures outlined in 40 CFR 123.62. 26.) Monitoring Frequency for Lead The monitoring frequency for lead will be reduced to quarterly. 27.) Effluent Limit for Flow The plant design flow is used to develop permit limits for oxvgen- consuming wastes, metals, and toxics per 15 NCAC 23.0206(c). If the design flow is exceeded, the limits developed for pollutants will no longer protect water quality. Therefore, a flow limit is included in NPDES permits. We would like to meet with Winston-Salem representatives to discuss the permit conditions. We will contact you in the near future to set up a con- venient time. Hopefully, we will be able to resolve all of the permit issues at the meeting. However, if your concerns are not adequately addressed at the meeting, you have the right to an adjudicatory hearing upon written request within thirty (30) days following receipt of the issued permit. This request must be in the form of a written petition, conforming to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes, and filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings, Post Office Drawer 11666, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604. Unless such a request is received by this Division, the requirements contained in the issued permit shall be final and binding. If you have any questions, please contact Dale Overcash or Trevor Clements of my water quality staff at (919)733-5083. S inderely, R. Paul Wilms cc: Steve Tedder Dennis Ramsey Don Safrit Dale Overcash Ken Eagleson Steve Mauney Doug Finan P.uth Swanek Central Files PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT City of Winton-6a1em September 15, 1989 Mr. Paul Wilms, Director N. C. Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Management P. 0. Box 27687 Raleigh, NC 27611-7687 Re: Request for Modification of the Terms of NPDES Permit No. NC0050342 (Muddy Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant) Dear. Mr. Wilms: r[i II 3Ep18 KW SfP 20 ihoo 9gc w � pad • Pursuant to North Carolina Regulation 15NCAC 2B.0508(b), the City of Winston-Salem is hereby requesting that the Division of Environmental Management modify the terms and/or conditions contained in NPDES Permit NC0050342 that are discussed in this correspondence. The number of issues we are addressing herein are quite extensive. The primary reason for this is that nearly all of Parts II and III of the permit were not present in the draft permit and the language used in these parts is very different from that found in our last permit. We suggest that a meeting in Raleigh to discuss our concerns may be helpful should your staff concur. exAL 1. The City of Winston-Salem requests the modification of the effluent BOD-5 �� limit for the 001 discharge to reflect a weekly CBOD5 limit of 40 mg/1 and a monthly CBOD5 limit of 25 mg/l. 0ur request is based on the provisions of 40 CFR Part 133.102(a)(4)(i), (ii), and (iii), but we are initiating this request because of the limitation the current BOD5 limit is placing upon the long-term operation of the facility. The oxygen demand exerted by ammonia upon the BOD5 test has made it necessary for our staff to operate the plant as a single -stage nitrification facility in order to meet the permit limitations. The plant is not designed to nitrify at the design CBOD5 loading point and the capacity of the plant to remove both ammonia and CBOD5 is limited. Because the plant's ammonia removal capacity is limited, the plant cannot fully utilize its sludge dewatering facilities because this operation recycles large amounts of ammonia back to the headworks. We are anticipating further restrictions in the use of the plant's sludge handling facilities as the plant's CBOD5 loading approaches the design point and aeration capacity becomes limiting as long as we are regulated by BOD5. Box 2511, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102 Mr. Wilms Page 2 September 15, 1989 We have analytical data which demonstrates that nitrogenous oxygen demand (NOD) interference in the BOD5 test is considerable (see Table I). Not only EPA, but also a number of other states have come to the conclusion that treatment systems that wholly or partially nitrify may, under certain circumstances, actually discharge much less CBOD than the BOD5 test would indicate, thereby resulting in false positive indications of effluent violations. The City of Winston-Salem's objection to the BODS limit is not based on a desire to reduce its environmental responsibility, but we merely wish to employ the best science available to assure compliance and operate the treatment facility as it was designed. Accordingly, CBOD5 should be substituted for BODS with the consequent reduction from 30 mg/1 BOD5 to a 25 mg/1 CBODS monthly average and 45 mg/1 BOD5 to a 40 mg/1 CBOD5 for the weekly average. Environmentally, the receiving water will not exhibit any difference in dissolved oxygen. Table I: Comparison of BOD5 and CBOD5 Analyses on the Muddy Creek Plant Effluent DATE CBODS BODS NH3-N NO3-N NO2-N 01-04-89 4.0 14.8 0.8 10.5 01-09-89 5.0 26.0 4.0 8.5 1.3 01-11-89 7.0 21.0 0.7 9.1 01-16-89 8.0 21.0 1.0 13.6 3.8 01-18-89 8.0 30.0 1.9 8.7 02-01-89 14.5 15.0 0.8 13.2 03-16-89 9.8 18.0 3.4 3.7 4.8 Note: All units of concentration are mg/1. 2. The permit requires quarterly chronic toxicity testing of the plant's effluent and defines noncompliance as two successive samples exhibiting chronic toxicity. The City of Winston-Salem objects to the inclusion of any biomonitoring provision in this permit on the grounds that there is t,N no evidence to indicate the plant's discharge is toxic and we do not feel "'� M 5 that the "mini -chronic" bioassay procedure has been refined to the point f�sT' where reproductive impairment in test organisms can be accurately correlated to toxicity in the receiving stream. 3.5 - Winston-Salem further objects to the toxicity testing requirements on the grounds that the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Agency, have determined under Clean Water Act Part 304(1), 33 U.S.C. 1314(1), that further requirements for Winston-Salem to address water quality toxic pollutants concerns are unnecessary. Mr.. Wilms Page 3 September 15, 1989 DEHNR submitted to EPA lists identifying (1) waters which cannot be reasonably expected to attain or maintain state water quality standards due to toxic pollutants, see 33 U.S.C. 1314(1)(1)(A)(i), (2) waters which cannot be reasonably expected to attain or maintain state water quality to assure protection of public health, public water supplies, agricultural and industrial uses, and the protection and propagation of a balanced population of shellfish, fish and wildlife, and allow recreational activities in and on the water, see 33 U.S.C. 1314 (1)(1)(A)(ii), and (3) waters which the state does not expect to meet water quality standards due entirely or substantially to discharges from point sources of toxic pollutants, see 33 U.S.C. 1314 (1)(1)(B). The lists prepared by DEHNR and responded to by EPA address narrative water quality standards (e.g., no toxics in toxic amounts) as well as numerical water quality standards. See 40 CFR 130.10(d)(4), 54 Federal Register 23897 (June 2, 1989). The North Carolina 3041 lists demonstrate that both the state and EPA have determined that further regulation of the plant discharge is unnecessary to address toxics, i.e., that there is no reasonable expectation that current discharge activities will result in exceeding water quality standards. (Reference June 2, 1989 memorandum from EPA Regional Administrator, Greer C. Tidwell, to DEHNR Secretary, William C. Cobey.) With respect to the "mini -chronic" bioassay procedure, there have been numerous problems reported with inconsistent test results, unexplained death among control groups, inability to duplicate test results between laboratories and significant differences in the reproduction rates between two control groups since the adoption of the "mini -chronic" procedure. Further, we do not know if there has been a determination as to whether Ceriodaphnia Dubia are present in the Yadkin River. Accordingly, the relevancy of the "mini -chronic" test using such test species is questionable. A toxic impact to Ceriodaphnia Dubia, a species apparently unduly susceptible to even harmless water qualities, does not necessarily mean that there is a toxic impact to the aquatic life in the Yadkin River. The test procedure does not allow for the simulation of "in -stream" conditions during the analysis. The 25 degree Centigrade cultivation temperature used in the procedure does not reflect seasonal temperature regimes and DEHNR's refusal to use water samples collected upstream of the discharge to incubate the control organisms defeats the purpose of the control baseline. The City's staff is also concerned that the data evaluated by DEM staff prior to adopting this procedure may not have been suitable to demonstrate a valid correlation between the prediction of chronic toxicity and the actual observation of chronic toxicity. Please note that the phrase "may not be suitable" is used here because, to our knowledge, DEM has not released the field data from the preliminary study for public scrutiny. Mr. Wilms Page 4 September 15, 1989 Our staff's opinion that the data is questionable is based on comments made before the Ad Hoc Triennial Review Committee by members of the DEM staff. The committee was informed that a portion of the discharges evaluated in the survey were chosen because it was known that the discharges were acutely toxic. Data collected at these locations would be misleading because the test would be detecting a "failure" due to acute death rather than reproductive impairment. To our knowledge DEM has never released data which indicates the "mini -chronic" procedure is accurately measuring reproductive impairment to the degree where it can be conclusively stated that the impairment is due to the point source discharge. ,.. \ %\\ IH0S k,,i+'�- The 'imposition of toxicity testing requirements would impose unnecessary S }"'5 3. ter ny 4. resource intensive testing requirements upon the City. Inasmuch as the state and EPA have determined that the current discharge meets all water quality requirements, toxicity testing should be deleted from the permit. Condition II.D.1. requires the City to notify DEHNR of significant changes in the discharge. If such change occurs, at that time DEHNR can reevaluate whether toxicity testing becomes necessary. To the extent this issue can be resolved through a waiver request, Winston-Salem hereby requests a waiver or modification of the toxicity requirements under the North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15, R 2B.0508(b)(1). Winston-Salem reserves its rights to adjudicate this issue should this request be denied. The City of Winston-Salem also requests that DEM modify our obligation to supply information, as provided for in Part II, A.11., to only that information required to demonstrate permit compliance_ information pertaining solely to the characteristics of the plant's discharge or information needed by DEM to evaluate a request to modify the permit. 7 ,tlar - c.e_ du• �. /to 4 w s. '�= '�e`%"� . We are concerned that the term any may be used to require the City to engage in detailed and expensive characterizations of areas where the plant's discharge would not be the only factor under consideration. Part II. B.3 prohibits any diversion or bypass of facilities except where unavoidable to prevent loss of life or severe property damage, including damage of facilities from excessive storm drainage or runoff. This provision should be modified, consistent with the federal bypass regulation, to allow for bypass to prevent personal injury and severe property damage [40 CFR Part 122.41 (m)(4)(A)]. Bypasses which do not exceed permit limitations should also be authorized to allow for essential maintenance to assure proper operation [40 CFR 122.41(M)(2)]. JS IL -- Mr. Wilms Page 5 September 15, 1989 Furthermore, the City of. Winston-Salem objects to permit effluent limitations being imposed upon a discharge to Muddy Creek via the 002 discharge should such discharge become necessary due to flood conditions at the 001 discharge. Discharge to Muddy Creek (002) may otherwise become necessary to prevent personal injury or severe property damage, e.g. plant flooding. We believe these discharges clearly meet the Federal NPDES standard for bypass in 40 CFR 122.41(M). The City is proposing that the winter/summer limits outlined for the 002 discharge in Part I of the permit be in force only during conditions where discharge via the 001 outfall is impossible due to conditions other than flooding. Discharges of this type are consistent with the provisions of Part III K. of the permit. The City of Winston-Salem disagrees with the use of the terms "knowing violations" and "knowingly" as they are used in Part II, Section D, 9C, 10, and 11 of the permit. These terms are not defined and their meaning is open to interpretation. Our concern is that the terms will be interpreted to include permit violations the ORC "knows" of which are caused by circumstances beyond the control of the City. 6. We would like to point out that Part III, A. 4(e) of the permit is worded in a manner that prevents the City from deleting industries from the pretreatment program once t eei y have Bone out of business. The City requests that the provisions in Part III, A. 4(e) be amended to read as follows: "has been included in the permittee's pretreatment monitoring program submitted in accordance with Section 15 NCAC 2H.0906 of the North Carolina Administrative Code and has not been eliminated from the pretreatment monitoring program in accordance with NCAC 2H.0907(b) and (c)." /;f,.,tti , 8 . The provisions in the permit dealing with the pretreatment program requirements (Part III, A and B) are confusing because "Significant Industrial User" isdefinedbut the term "Major Contributing Industry" is actually used in the text. The City is requesting that DEM either define both of these terms or limit the usage to only one defined term so that it is clear as to which industries must be included in the pretreatment program. The City of Winston-Salem also requests an additional 30 days to submit the Pretreatment Activity Reports required in Part III, B.6. of the permit. Mr. Wilms Page 6 September 15, 1989 Our monitoring program is quite extensive, and it is difficult to gather and incorporate all the information required for the last month of the reporting period within 30 days (since much of this is self -monitoring data). 9. Winston-Salem objects to the broad reopener permit conditions. Such conditions (which include Parts II.A.4, II.A.5, III.G and III.H) have the potential effect of subjecting Winston-Salem to a constant array of 'V 11D c�ianging requirements necessitating immediate responses which could 0lyry�,/ preclude a coordinated planned response to environmental concerns. o Inasmuch as North Carolina is an approved NPDES state pursuant to Section 402(b) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. Section 1342(b), permitting procedures are subject to certain minimum federal requirements. See 40 CFR Part 123. In recognition of minimum federal standards, and to avoid over -regulating discharges beyond that required by the federal NPDES program, state law provides that "effluent standards, limitations and management practices. . . shall be no more restrictive than the most nearly applicable federal effluent standards and limitations and management practices." (N. C. General Statute Section 143-215(c).) a5 The state regulation for modification of permits incorporates the applicable federal standard (i.e., 40 CFR Section 122.62) and identifies other good cause for permit modification. (N. C. Administrative Code Title 15, R. 2II.0114(a).) The permit conditions, however, allow for permit modification beyond the limited causes specified in federal and state regulations, thereby subjecting Winston-Salem to more stringent permit requirements than is required under federal law. For example, permit condition Part III.G would provide for modification of the permit upon a standard being modified to impose more stringent requirements. Additional requirements could also then be added. Such permit conditions are clearly inconsistent with federal and state requirements. The federal NPDES regulations reflect concerns raised by commenters to the proposed NPDES regulations that the proposal would have opened the prospect of endless round of reviews or "nonstop permitting" with permit conditions being adjusted. The final regulations promulgated by EPA recognized the need for providing the permittees a degree of certainty and intentionally limited those instances in which a permit could be Mr. Wilms Page 7 September 15, 1989 modified. See 45 Federal Register 33308 (1980). 1/ To provide the requisite amount of certainty to permittees, NPDES regulations only allow EPA to initiate permit modification if the cause for modification meets one of the limited criteria set forth in 40 CFR Part 122. 2/ Modification of NPDES permits due to new requirements is only allowed if the permittee requests such a change. 40 CFR Subsection 122.62(a)(3)(i)(C). The City of Winston-Salem objects that Part III.G allows the permit to be modified at any time based upon new requirements. This provision should be modified to reflect that the permit can be modified based upon new requirements only if Winston-Salem so requests. Furthermore, the permit should provide that, based upon Winston-Salem's request, the permit can also be modified to reflect any condition or limitation issued or approved which is less stringent than the limitation issued in the permit originally. 1/EPA preamble to the final NPDES regulations provide: Accordingly, permit reissuance at regular five to ten year intervals, instead of permit modification at unpredictable times, will be the primary mechanism for adjusting permit requirements. In addition, EPA has narrowed the grounds upon which a permit may be modified or terminated during each permit term in order to provide a maximum amount of security to permittees. (Emphasis added.) 45 Federal Register 33308 (1980) 2/EPA preamble to the final NPDES regulations provide: EPA has rewritten the permit modification section in two ways as part of the effort (see also Sections 122.9 and 122.13 and accompanying preamble) to provide greater certainty to permittees during the period when they hold permits and thereby make it easier to make business decisions and obtain financing. First, EPA has narrowed the circumstances under which a permit may be modified during its fixed term. Second, EPA has narrowed the scope of the changes that can be made when a permit of fixed but not lifetime duration is reopened during its term. . . . .The list of causes for modifying a permit is narrow; and absent cause from this list, the permit cannot be modified. (Emphasis added.) 45 Federal Register 33314 (1980). Mr. Wilms Page 8 September 15, 1989 xi tit jv /Iv , The broad reopener conditions set forth in the Winston-Salem permit fail to provide Winston-Salem the requisite planning certainty. Such broad permit reopeners, which provide for more stringent effluent limitations than is required under federal law, are inconsistent with state law. N. C. General Statute Section 143-215(c). The City merely requests that its permit be consistent with state and EPA requirements, i.e., be provided with the requisite security that its permit can only be modified for limited reasons. Accordingly, permit conditions I.I, III.G and III.H should be deleted. Furthermore, Part II. A.5 of the permit should be deleted. This condition requires compliance with new effluent standards for toxic pollutants established under Section 307(a) of the Clean Water Act even if the State has not modified the permit. We feel very strongly that all permit limits should be implemented by DEM through NPDES permits since DEM is mandated to protect the water quality in the state. It is unrealistic to assume that every industry and municipality has the staff to keep up with federal changes and know what will be needed to be added to a permit. Further, we feel that adding a limit without changing a permit does not allow the permittee to plan to meet a new change (such as through a SOC or a condition to a permit). It may automatically put such a permittee in noncompliance without allowing normal due process, such as a comment period or the ability to construct changes to meet a new limit. Establishing concentration limits for point sources often involves the development of complex models used to calculate load allocations. We are concerned that the State may institute enforcement actions against us if the effluent limits developed by the City's staff, as required by this provision, were higher than the limits eventually included in a revised permit issued by DEM. 10. Part III, D. of the proposed permit requires that no construction or additions be made to the facility without DEM authorization, and we interpreted this to mean DEM approval must be obtained on every minor construction project or modification made at the plant. We feel very strongly that this approach is unworkable. ot- We suggest that this provision be limited to those construction projects undertaken to add to the plant's treatment capacity or those intended to change the type of process used in the plant's system. Minor construction such as changing a pump location or other items not adding to capacity or changing the treatment scope should not need such a review. Mr.. Wilms Page 9 September 15, 1989 Moreover, we note that the D. C. Court of Appeals has held that EPA lacks the authority to impose a construction ban under the NPDES program. NRDC v. EPA, 822 F.2d 104 (D.C. Cir. 1987). At a minimum, DEHNR should avoid interruption of minor construction deemed necessary by Winston-Salem. Accord N. C. General Statute Section 143-215(c). 11. The March 1, 1989 draft permit informally provided by DEHNR to Winston-Salem did not contain permit conditions Part II (Standard Conditions for NPDES Permits) or Part III (Other Requirements). EPA regulations, which apply to approved state NPDES programs, provide that the permit applicant is to be mailed a copy of, among other things, the fact sheet and draft permit for comment during the public comment period. 40 CFR Section 124.10(e). The draft permit is required to include all applicable permit conditions. 40 CFR Section 124.6(d). Failure to include Part II and Part III in the draft permit denied Winston-Salem of the minimum protection mandated by the federal regulations. Accordingly, Winston-Salem objects to all of the Part II and Part III requirements included in the issued permit. This letter, nevertheless, sets forth a noninclusive list of issues identified during the limited time Winston-Salem has had to review these new requirements. Winston-Salem reserves its right to supplement these comments in these areas and to adjudicate the permit conditions if denied. Winston-Salem also believes it should have been provided a fact sheet setting forth the bases for the permit conditions. See 40 CFR Section 124.8; N.C. Admin. Code tit. 15, R 2H.0108. Winston-Salem hereby requests a copy of the fact sheet and reserves its right to supplement these comments based upon information provided therein. 12. Part I.B.2 requires Winston-Salem to operate the facilities "at optimum efficiency" and Part II.B.1 requires plant operation "as efficiently as possible." Such requirements are vague and subject to confusion as to whether Winston-Salem would be required to operate the treatment plant to ot," achieve greater treatment than necessary to comply with the applicable permit effluent limitations. Winston-Salem objects to these vague permit conditions to the extent treatment would be required beyond that necessary to meet applicable federal and state effluent limitations. Mr. Wilms Page 10 September 15, 1989 Effluent limitations are established under the NPDES program to assure compliance with minimum technology -based requirements (i.e., secondary treatment) and any more stringent water quality standards. See 33 U.S.C. Section 1311. Federal and state regulations do not require greater operation and maintenance of the facility than that necessary to meet permit effluent limitations. See e.g. N.C. Gen. Stat. Section 143-215(c); 40 CFR Section 122.41(e). EPA preamble discussion provides: One commenter argued that if a permittee can meet its permit requirements by operating its treatment or control systems at less that [sic] optimum ef- ficiency, rather than at "designed facility remov- als," it should be allowed to do so. EPA agrees ... 45 Fed. Reg. 33303 (May 19, 1980). These permit conditions should be modified, consistent with federal NPDES requirements, to require the treatment plant to be "properly" operated and maintained. 40 CFR Section 122.41(e). 13. Part II.A.7 provides that the permit shall not be construed to relieve the permittee from liabilities to which the permittee is or may be subject to under Section 311 of the Federal Act. Liability under Section t311 of the Clean Water Act only applies to discharges. The definition of discharges, however, excludes activities subject to an NPDES permit. See 33 U.S.C. Section 1321(a) (2). In other words, the NPDES permit, as a matter of law, provides the permittee protections from liability under Section 311 of the Clean Water Act. This permit condition should be prefaced with the language "Except as provided by law." 14. Part II.D.2 provides that any maintenance of the facilities, which might necessitate unavoidable interruption of operation and degradation of effluent quality, shall be scheduled during noncritical water quality periods and carried out in a manner approved by the permit issuing authority. It may not always be possible to schedule maintenance during noncritical water quality periods. This permit condition should be limited to routine maintenance which can reasonably be scheduled by the permittee. Furthermore, the term "noncritical water quality period" may need to be clarified; it apparently means any flows greater than the 7Q10 identified under N.C. Admin. Code tit. 15, R 2B.0206. Furthermore, criteria is not spelled out for DEHNR approval of maintenance. The City objects to being subject to unbridled DEHNR approval/disapproval discretion every time the City needs to undertake maintenance of its facilities. The provision for DEHNR approval should be deleted. Mr. Wilms Page 11 September 15, 1989 15. Part II.D.8 provides that the permittee is not authorized to discharge after the expiration date. NPDES permittees, however, are authorized, if applicable law so provides, to continue discharge after the expiration date set forth on the permit if the permittee has submitted a complete and timely permit application and the permit issuing authority does not issue a new permit before the expiration date of the prior permit. See 5 U.S.C. Section 554(c); 40 CFR Section 122.4(a). This provision should be modified to reflect that the permit continues if Winston-Salem submits a timely permit application. N.C. Gen. Stat. Section 150A-3(A). The City should not be deemed to be discharging without a permit if DEHNR fails to timely issue a new permit. 16. Part II.A.4 would require the City to report any past or planned activity which would be cause for modification or revocation and reissuance of the permit. The City objects to this reporting burden. Other permit conditions would require the City to provide notice of any planned change in the permitted facility or activity which may result in noncompliance with permit requirements and to provide DEHNR any requested information to determine whether cause exists for permit modification. See Parts II.D.2 and II.A.11 of the permit, respectively. State regulations set forth reporting obligations of a permittee. N.C. Admin. Code tit. 15, R. 28.0506(a). Neither federal NPDES regulations nor state regulations require a permittee to report instances in which the permittee believes a permit modification to be appropriate. For example, it is not the permittee's obligation to monitor all regulatory and judicial decisions to determine whether a permit modification may be appropriate. This permit condition should be deleted. 17. Part II.D.6.d requires the City to notify DEHNR by telephone within 24 hours of becoming aware of noncompliance with its NPDES permit limitations. Written follow-up would be required. Twenty-four hour notification is only required for certain potential emergency situations. State regulations identify those atypical situations which warrant immediate telephone notification and written follow-up. N.C. Admin. Code tit. 15, R. 28.0506(a). Permit exceedance, except those due to one of the potential emergency situations delineated in the state regulations, only need to be identified in the monthly discharge monitoring report. Although Winston-Salem typically calls the State whenever we know of non -emergency noncompliance, we don't want this as a regulated item by permits. The permit language regarding emergency reporting of every permit exceedance should be deleted. Accord 40 CFR Section 122.41(1)(6). Mr. Wilms Page 12 September 15, 1989 18. 19. 20. 'f401 k5 Part II.D.7 would require the City to notify DEHNR of any activity which has occurred or will occur which would result in the discharge of certain specified pollutants. This permit condition is based upon EPA regulation 40 CFR Section 122.42(a). The EPA regulation has undergone extensive rule making and public participation procedures over the years. Nevertheless, EPA has determined that such requirement is not appropriate for municipal discharge permits, it is limited to specified industrial dischargers. 40 CFR Section 122.42(a). Municipal NPDES permits issued by EPA do not include this condition. Accordingly, this reporting obligation is unnecessary and should be deleted. Winston-Salem objects to Part II.D.4 and Part III.F which provide that DEM, by written notification, may require more frequent monitoring or the monitoring of other pollutants not required by this permit. Federal regulations applicable to approved state NPDES program, require all permit modifications to undergo public participation procedures except for those permit modification which are identified as minor permit modifications. 40 CFR Section 122.62. Minor permit modifications, however, can only be undertaken with the consent of the permittee. 40 CFR Section 122.63. The City is willing to determine on a case -by -case basis, whether increased monitoring requirements should appropriately be processed as a minor modification or as a modification subject to the full public participation requirements. Th City objects to DEM's purported authority to unilaterally modify the NPDES permit without the City's consent or providing due process procedures. Such permit condition is inconsistent with minimum requirements for federal NPDES programs. Part I.J.2 would require the largest 10 GC/MS peaks in each organic chemical analytic fraction to be identified and quantified. Unless the peak is of such magnitude that the pollutant can be identified at a confidence level of at least 90 percent, information would be of questionable value. Obtaining the proposed information pertaining to the 10 GC/MS peaks is resource intensive. Winston-Salem objects to this provision and requests that it be deleted or be limited to GC/MS peaks which can lead to identification of a pollutant with a confidence level of at least 90 percent. 21. Part III.A.2 provides that "[u]nder no circumstances shall the permittee allow the introduction of the following wastes in the waste treatment system...." The specified wastes are generally those wastes set forth in the federal pretreatment specific prohibitions. (40 CFR Section 403.5(b).) Mr. Wilms Page 13 September 15, 1989 FP"4.4 Winston-Salem ordinances already prohibit industrial user discharge of such wastes. A violation of Winston-Salem's ordinances subjects an industrial user to appropriate enforcement action by the City. Winston-Salem does not "allow" the discharge in violation of such standards. The City's concern regarding the permit condition is that the language is vague and subject to the potential interpretation that the City can be in violation of its permit if an industrial user discharges waste to the treatment system in violation of the prohibitions. The City objects to the vague permit language and requests that it be deleted. Alternatively the language should be clarified to require that Winston-Salem prohibit the introduction of such wastes into the treatment system. Winston-Salem should not be liable for illegal discharge activities of industrial users. 22. Part III.A.4 provides that prior to accepting wastewater from any significant industrial user the permittee shall develop, and submit to the Division for approval, a pretreatment program. This permit requirement is inappropriate; Winston-Salem already has an approved pretreatment program. Federal and state pretreatment program requirements do not require a new pretreatment program to be developed every time a new significant industrial user comes on line. See N.C. Admin. Code tit. 15, R. 2H.0906; 40 CFR Part 403. Such an approach is unnecessary and would be extremely resource intensive. Furthermore, copies of permits to be issued to all significant industrial users are sent to DEHNR. The permitting process already provides the state a significant role in addressing requirements for significant industrial users. 23. Part III.B.6.(f) of the permit would require the City to submit any information requested by the DEHNR. State regulations, however, set forth information to be provided in a pretreatment report. N. C. Administrative Code Title 15, R. 2H.0908. Winston-Salem objects to the permit condition in that it purports to provide DEHNR broad and unbridled discretion to impose reporting obligations. Such reporting requirement is inconsistent with the specified reporting requirements set forth in state regulations and should be deleted. 24. Part III.A.4. provides that any change in the definition of significant industrial user shall become a part of the permit. Winston-Salem objects to the permit incorporating any future changes as depriving Winston-Salem of its due process rights to access what specific requirements are being imposed, to comment on the requirements and challenge such requirements, as necessary. Furthermore, the incorporation of future federal requirements may be an unconstitutional abdication of State authority to the federal government. See Rochvarg, State Adoption of Federal Law --Legislative Abdication or Reasoned Policymaking?, 36 Admin. L.Rev. 277 (1984) Mr. Wilms Page 14 September 15, 1989 25. EPA regulations set forth requirements for the federal approval of state pretreatment programs. (40 CFR Section 403.10.) North Carolina was approved by EPA in June 1982 to implement the federal pretreatment program. EPA regulations also set forth procedural requirements for modification of approved programs. The federal procedures provide for public notice in the Federal Register of the proposed changes and the opportunity to comment on such requirements. 40 CFR Section 123.62. North Carolina has made significant changes in its pretreatment program since initial EPA program approval. These changes have not been subject to the program revision procedures set forth in EPA regulations. Some of the provisions in North Carolina's current pretreatment regulations may not be consistent with EPA program approval standards. Winston-Salem objects to NPDES permit requirements being imposed based upon state regulations which have not been formally approved by EPA. Pretreatment permit requirements based upon state regulations which have not been formally approved by EPA should be deleted from Winston-Salem's permit. Alternatively, the permit and fact sheet should clearly state that only those pretreatment permit requirements based upon state regulations in existence as of the date of EPA pretreatment program approval are deemed to be federal requirements and federally enforceable. See, e.g., 133 Cong. Rec. S733-767 (daily ed. Jan. 14, 1987). 26. The City of Winston-Salem is also requesting that DEM modify the ,,monitoring frequency for lead from monthly to quarterly for the 001 Oh. discharge at the effluent, upstream, and downstream sample sites. We P0'0 �v feel that quarterly monitoring will be adequate to provide DEM a data c ' A d base and allow us to expend our analytical resources on high priority areas. /g5 27. Winston-Salem objects to the effluent limitation imposed upon flow. Federally issued NFDES permits do not regulate flow as an effluent limitation, it is merely a sampling requirement. The rationale behind this approach is that flow is not a pollutant and, therefore, should not be regulated as are other pollutants. See 33 U.S.C. Section 1362(6). Federal and state regulations require compliance with minimum technology -based requirements (i.e., secondary treatment) and state water quality standards. See generally 40 CFR Part 125. Imposition of water quality -based permit limits entails a determination of the maximum pollutant mass discharge (e.g., the total maximum daily load or TMDL) that may occur without violating water quality standards. Once the allowable mass loading is established, a concentration -based permit limit may be established, where necessary, based on the expected facility flow. See generally 40 CFR Section 130.7. Mr. Wilms Page 15 September 15, 1989 Under North Carolina's program, a facility can be fully in compliance with the applicable technology and water quality -based requirements reflected by its effluent limitations but, nevertheless, still be in violation of its permit if the treatment facility flow is in excess of that stated in the permit. This places the facility in the situation of being subject to potentially significant fines for completely acceptable discharges. The effluent limitation for flow should be deleted. As long as Winston-Salem is meeting its effluent limitations for the pollutants of concern, its flow should not be arbitrarily limited. Winston-Salem does not object to flow being included in the permit as only a monitoring requirement, if necessary. Further, we do not see the deletion of flow as requiring any additional limits. The City of Winston-Salem wishes to reaffirm our continued dedication to the protection of water quality in North Carolina. Toward this end, all our requests regarding this permit are being made with a constructive intent. Your letter of August 14, 1989, received by the City on August 17, 1989, states that Winston-Salem may request a waiver or modification pursuant to N. C. Administrative Code Title 15, R 2B.0508(b). Winston-Salem has concerns that a waiver or modification may not be available under the cited authority for all of the issues discussed above. In deference to your stated preference, Winston-Salem hereby requests a waiver or modification to address all of the issues raised above, and those issues identified in any supplement to this letter. If your stated procedure is not applicable to any of the issues, Winston-Salem hereby requests an adjudicatory hearing in order to preserve our rights on all of these issues. Please advise us how DEM intends to address these matters. We would like to meet with you to discuss the procedural and substantive issues raised. Such discussion may serve to avoid an adjudicatory hearing or further appeal. Please contact Mr. Stan Webb at 919/784-7400 if you have any questions. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, LITIES D WISIO om Griffin Utilities Supe 'intendent /sw NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Winston-Salem Regional Office November 15, 1989 MEMORANDUM TO: Trevor Clements, Assistant Water Quality Section Chief Technical Support Unit THROUGH: M. Steven Mauney 'v Water Quality Supervisor FROM: James C. Watson --- Environmental Engineer .14-03 SUBJECT: Comments concerning Permit Modification Request Lower Muddy Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant NPDES No. NC0050342 Forsyth County • 1 ' i • • rr:OV 1 71989 We have reviewed your above mentioned response to the City of Winston-Salem's concerns. Although we appreciate the opportunity for our input, we have no additional comments to make at this time. The suggestion that you made regarding inviting the City of Winston-Salem into our Regional Office for a meeting was an excellent idea. Please consider the dates. 11/14/89 through 11/30/89 as possible dates for the meeting as M. Steven Mauney, Water Quality Supervisor and Larry D. Coble, Regional Supervisor, will both be available. If additional information is required prior to the meeting, please advise. JCw/vm cc: Central Files WSRO